Money Problem

I recently learned that I have inherited a few thousand dollars. It's from my uncle Steve, who shot himself, so it's not easy money to receive, nor is it easy to spend. I can't waste it, that's for certain.

I've got to face facts- a few thousand bucks is not that much money, but it's more than I'm likely to see again- EVER- so I'd better spend it wisely.

My first thought was my car- not enough cash to replace it, but I can get it fixed enough to last a few more years...maybe.

But really, what I want is a vacation. Do you know when the last time I took vacation was?

Of course you don't.

I haven't had a vacation since I started this blog. I've been blogging for years...
My last vacation was in 2002, but I didn't enjoy it much- I was recovering from a nearly-crippling neuropathy at the time and was in constant, agonizing physical pain.

I'd like to visit Chicago and the Twin again, but I've done that a lot- and it's still America, even if the food is better than average- and I don't have any 'time-off' allowed from work, so it seems silly to quit my job just so I can visit a place I already know quite well.

I'd like to travel abroad before it's too late.

I've tried to re-establish contact with my long-lost Aussie penpal- at one time I had planned to travel to Adelaide to meet him and his family, but he fell ill and his wife sent the last reply- over a year ago- it was a mailing list 'form letter', explaining that Stephen was very ill... no more has been heard. I fear the worst.

Europe? That's quite possible. I even searched some airfares- not so bad as you'd think. I'm tempted to sell all my non-essentials ( keep the guitar, the bass and the toothbrush) and flee to the Old Country- except it wouldn't be a vacation, it would be an expatriation.

My family is very small and will soon be much smaller- after that, I really won't have any reason to stay here at all.

I don't know what to do with this death money. I should do something that makes me feel alive- and I think a holiday may be just the thing. I just don't know where to go.

I wish I had someone to travel with. I used to enjoy traveling on my own-prefered it really- but now I think I'd like to travel with someone- oooohhh, look at that , I would say, pointing out some natural or man-made wonder.
aahhhh, amazing....my companion would reply, squeezing my hand, glad that they are with me - wherever we are.

(In my fantasy, my travel companion is always female- sue me.)

Options are limited, but they are still open.

I need to do something living with my new death money.